ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to go over your past. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD seek a referral from his health healthcare provider. They may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring the school records with you to your appointment since the doctor will want to determine how your child's performance compares to his peers with similar age. The provider might employ standardized rating scales to assess the severity of your child's symptoms and determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family, and developmental. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who are important in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, like difficulties with homework or failure to finish tasks at home or school.
Teens and children often have short attention spans and it's common for them to lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is unable to remember things easily, having trouble following instructions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or when playing with their friends. At home, they could be seen running or climbing in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for a long duration. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show symptoms of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with the daily functioning of a person such as at home, school or work. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they have an identifiable condition, and they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
The screening for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. They will then conduct physical examinations, hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist and standardized scores for behavioral ratings, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they affect their lives at home, at school, and at work. They will also be asked to provide information from close family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more indicators of impulsivity and hyperactivity as that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two settings such as at home, school or the workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient, someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can have a significant impact on the family, work and school as well as social relationships. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve functioning. There are many different medications available, and it may require several tries to locate the best one for you. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be crucial elements of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ standard rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also have someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; a coach, teacher, or parent for children -to fill out an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective medication with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for some people. They boost the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
adult adhd diagnosis with ADHD often suffer from other health conditions that require evaluation, such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these other issues with their healthcare professional. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these conditions at the same time, to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to beginning medication. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered under your insurance policy for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD, he will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be suggested to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, for instance seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is crucial for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires to ask about the person's behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator also wants to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They might suggest a behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person the skills to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might help the person learn to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological tests to gain a clearer picture of a person's abilities. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).
The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as changing how the person conducts themselves, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.